Celtic seek clarification
26 Oct 2010 - 14:30:26
Neil Lennon has confirmed that Celtic have written to the Scottish Football Association for the second week in a row seeking clarification on a refereeing decision.The Hoops boss was incensed that Old Firm debutant referee Willie Collum awarded Rangers a penalty at Parkhead on Sunday when defender Daniel Majstorovic clashed with Kirk Broadfoot.Kenny Miller scored from the spot to give the Light Blues a 3-1 win in what was Celtic's first Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeat of the season.Lennon was similarly puzzled last week in the game against Dundee United at Tannadice when referee Dougie McDonald rescinded a penalty award for Celtic when the game was balanced at 1-1, although the visitors went on to win 2-1.The former Parkhead skipper, speaking ahead of Wednesday night's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final tie with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, said: "There has been correspondence. We are asking for clarification on the (penalty) decision."We want to see the referee's report and we want clarification on last week's decision as well. It's not sour grapes, we just want an explanation for what we feel are strange decisions going against us."
View the original article here
Labels: Celtic, clarification
Keeper Forster wants Celtic stay
06 Oct 2010 - 13:59:39
On-loan Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster has admitted it would be a wrench to return to parent club Newcastle United in January.
The youngster could make a return to the Premier League club with first-choice shot-stopper Steve Harper out injured with a shoulder problem.
Although Dutchman Tim Krul is deputising, the Magpies appear to be light on reinforcements.
But Forster believes it would be in his best interests to remain in Glasgow.
"It's pointless worrying. Football can change in 24 hours but hopefully I can stay. I would be a bit gutted to go back," he said.
"It depends on the circumstances if I go back to play then. Obviously, I am Newcastle's keeper and it is up to them.
"But I want to play week in, week out and sitting on a bench is not something I want. The only way I will progress in my career is if I am out playing in front of big crowds.
"I knew with being in Scotland I couldn't be called back right away when Harps got injured. That is fine by me as I want to be here playing for a massive club. I am exactly where I want to be."
View the original article here
Labels: Celtic, Forster, Keeper, wants
Celtic lose out
24 Oct 2010 - 17:54:59
100% record goes after being ahead Kenny Miller scored a dramatic second-half double as Rangers came from behind to win the first Old Firm game of the season. They now sit three points clear at the top of the SPL. Gary Hooper's opener just before half-time was cancelled out three minutes into the second half when Glenn Loovens put through his own net as he tried to clear a Kyle Lafferty header. Miller then fired the visitors ahead with a volley in the 55th minute before netting from the spot 10 minutes later after referee Willie Collum had pointed to the spot when Daniel Majstorovic had fouled Light Blues' substitute Kirk Broadfoot inside the box. While there was no difference between the teams in points going in the game there was a huge difference in their respective experience of Old Firm games. Celtic, starting with the same side which beat Dundee United at Tannadice last week, had six players making their debut in the fixture. Rangers manager Walter Smith, who started the game watching from the stand, made two changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Valencia at Ibrox in the Champions League in midweek. Midfielder Lee McCulloch returned after injury and Lafferty also came in as Richard Foster and Vladimir Weiss dropped out. All eyes were on referee Collum and it took him only 70 seconds to produce a yellow card for Anthony Stokes, for a crunching challenge on Ibrox defender Sasa Papac. Then, after Steven Whittaker had powered a 20-yard shot off the base of the post, and Steven Naismith had his drive from the rebound blocked, McCulloch was booked for a foul on left back Emilio Izaguirre. In the midst of the initial madness, with bodies falling to the ground all over the pitch, Rangers midfielder Steven Davis tested 'keeper Fraser Foster with an effort from 20 yards. Celtic lost captain Shaun Maloney in the 14th minute with concussion after a clash of heads with Naismith, to be replaced with another Old Firm debutant, Efrain Juarez. On the half-hour mark Davis had another shot, this time on the turn from 16 yards and again Forster dealt with it easily before Izaguirre fired over from the distance at the other end. In the 33rd minute, when McCulloch brought Georgios Samaras tumbling to the ground 30 yards out, the Ibrox bench and supporters held their breath lest Collum reached for another yellow card for the midfielder. However, the referee showed leniency and Ibrox keeper Allan McGregor made a decent save from Ki Sung-yong's free-kick. Just before the interval Ki's corner from the left came off the head of Whittaker and headed for Hooper. The former Scunthorpe striker quickly brought the ball under control and hammered it past Davis, who was guarding the far post. Broadfoot replaced Papac at the break and within three minutes the visitors drew level with the help of Lafferty, who had been sandwiched to win a free-kick. Davis floated the ball in and his Northern Ireland team-mate headed towards goal, with Loovens only helping it in as he tried to clear. The home side were the architects of their own downfall again in the 55th minute when Miller dramatically put Rangers ahead. Forster made a mess of a routine clearance and Naismith quickly tried to put Maurice Edu through with Miller looking to be in an offside position. However, when the ball broke to the former Hoops' striker 16 yards out, he buried his volley low past Forster. More drama arrived in the 65th minute when Collum awarded a penalty to Rangers after Majstorovic brought down Broadfoot in the box, although contact seemed minimal. After the referee brushed aside Celtic complaints Miller drove the spot-kick in off the post. The home side men fought to get a foothold back in the game and McGregor made good saves from Ki and Joe Ledley - but Rangers were happy to see the game out.Celtic: Forster, Izaguirre, Majstorovic, Wilson, Loovens, Ledley, Ki Sung-Yeung, Samaras, Stokes (McCourt 68), Maloney (Juarez 14), HooperSubs not used: Zaluska, Cha Du-Ri, Towell, Twardzik, McGinnBooked: Stokes, Ki Sung-Yeug, SamarasGoal: HooperRangers: McGregor, Weir, Papac (Broadfoot 46), Whittaker, Bougherra, McCulloch, Edu, Davis, Miller (Weiss 79), Lafferty (Beattie 89), NaismithSubs not used: Alexander, Foster, Fleck, HuttonBooked: Bougherra, McCulloch Gals: Loovens (OG) Miller (two)Attendance: 58.874Referee: Collum
View the original article here
Labels: Celtic
Celtic V Rangers - Follow LIVE text commentary
24 Oct 2010 - 12:45:00
Celtic V Rangers
Follow every kick as Celtic take on Rangers in the Scottish Premier
on 24-Oct-2010, kick off time 12:45
Celtic v Rangers Live
View the original article here
Labels: Celtic, commentary, Follow, Rangers
Craven resigns over Celtic furore
25 Oct 2010 - 20:04:51
Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan has announced the resignation of assistant referee Steven Craven as the fall-out to Celtic's controversial 2-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win at Dundee United continued.
Regan today met to discuss the events of the October 17 match with Hugh Dallas, the SFA's head of referee development, as well as the fixture's referee, Dougie McDonald, and Craven, his assistant on the day.
Following the meeting at Hampden Park, Regan said: "I can confirm that I have met with the relevant match officials and members of the referee departments regarding the events that occurred during the recent Clydesdale Bank Premier League match between Dundee United and Celtic. I can also confirm that Steven Craven has tendered his resignation and will no longer officiate in the professional game."
Regan added: "I hope to conclude the investigation within the next 48 hours and will make further comment at that time."
With the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game on Tayside level at 1-1, McDonald awarded Celtic a penalty then controversially changed his mind after consulting with Craven. Despite scoring a last-gasp winner through Gary Hooper, Celtic boss Neil Lennon was furious at the referee's U-turn and the fall-out continued all last week.
Dallas made a statement applauding McDonald for arriving at the "right decision in the end" but Craven was reportedly angry that it was not made clear that, contrary to perception, he did not instigate the discussion with McDonald.
It was reported that since the fixture, Craven has been the victim of threatening remarks with his teenage sons suffering verbal abuse. The official's resignation was anticipated and it was confirmed on Monday.
It is believed there is growing concern among the refereeing fraternity about the increasingly stressful conditions in which they are being asked to perform, something which was exemplified ahead of Sunday's Old Firm game at Parkhead by Celtic boss Lennon appealing to Willie Collum, making his debut in the fixture, to "get the big decisions right".
While officials will accept criticism for major mistakes, there is real concern not only about the forensic examination of decisions, but the current climate of innuendo and inference about agendas and bias which pose possible safety fears for them and their families.
Last month Dallas had to dissuade referee Brian Winter from quitting the game following his failure to send off Steven Anderson at Tannadice, despite showing the St Johnstone defender two yellow cards in the game against Dundee United.
View the original article here
Labels: Celtic, Craven, furore, resigns
Celtic seek clarification
26 Oct 2010 - 14:30:26
Neil Lennon has confirmed that Celtic have written to the Scottish Football Association for the second week in a row seeking clarification on a refereeing decision.The Hoops boss was incensed that Old Firm debutant referee Willie Collum awarded Rangers a penalty at Parkhead on Sunday when defender Daniel Majstorovic clashed with Kirk Broadfoot.Kenny Miller scored from the spot to give the Light Blues a 3-1 win in what was Celtic's first Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeat of the season.Lennon was similarly puzzled last week in the game against Dundee United at Tannadice when referee Dougie McDonald rescinded a penalty award for Celtic when the game was balanced at 1-1, although the visitors went on to win 2-1.The former Parkhead skipper, speaking ahead of Wednesday night's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final tie with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, said: "There has been correspondence. We are asking for clarification on the (penalty) decision."We want to see the referee's report and we want clarification on last week's decision as well. It's not sour grapes, we just want an explanation for what we feel are strange decisions going against us."
View the original article here
Labels: Celtic, clarification
Team lineups: Celtic v Rangers 24 Oct 2010
24 Oct 2010 - 12:27:00
Confirmation of the starting eleven and substitutes named for today's early kick-off at home to Rangers. Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier, Sunday, 24th October 2010 @ 12:45 CelticvRangers Starting Line-ups 26 Forster12 Wilson22 Loovens5 Majstorovic3 Izaguirre18 Ki16 Ledley13 Maloney88 Hooper10 Stokes9 Samaras Substitutes 11 Cha14 McGinn31 Towell4 Juárez56 Twardzik20 McCourt24 Zaluska Starting Line-ups 1 McGregor3 Weir24 Bougherra5 Papac16 Whittaker7 Edu8 Davis6 McCulloch14 Naismith9 Miller11 Lafferty Substitutes 25 Alexander4 Broadfoot12 Foster41 Hutton20 Weiss10 Fleck19 Beattie
View the original article here
Labels: Celtic, lineups, Rangers
